AgdaPkt 2000-02-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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86-') that residents felt second units is a widespread problem.) . Conduct a windshield survey in each of the City's neighborhoods to estimate the number of second units, both detached and attached to the main residence. It is important to estimate the number of second units in order to determine the magnitude of the impact of a change in policy. . Change the City's requirements to allow more property to qualify for a second unit; for example, permit an owner to rent a parking space on another site (not on the street) if that space lies within a certain radius of the subject property. Determine the number of properties that qualify for a second unit if the changes are enacted. . Consider reducing the parking requirement in the case of legalizing illegal units. This may be a disincentive to creating legal units under the accessory dwelling unit ordinance. . Develop an amnesty program similar to that of Daly City. This would be a 2 to 3 year program depending on the length of time set for the window of opportunity to gain amnesty. . Use rehabilitation funds to bring an illegal unit up to code when the resulting unit will be affordable to people with low and/ or moderate incomes for the duration of the loan. (This is currently the practice used in Redwood City for the first 5-years of the loan when the unit can be made conforming to zoning). It should be noted that none of these options are currently budgeted and in some cases require significant time and resources over a number of years which will compete with your recently established priorities. Staff recommends a systematic approach of documenting these units. It would be appropriate to consider methods to accomplish this in the context of the Consolidated Plan and Housing Element update. 2. Garage Conversions a. Definition. Garage conversions involve the creation of living space either for increasing the square footage for the primary residents of the house, or for creating an accessory dwelling. Garage conversions may be permitted with appropriate building permits, if the displaced covered parking can be recreated on-site. Conversion of a garage to an accessory dwelling unit also requires a building permit for an accessory dwelling unit. It has been estimated that there are at least 1,500 to 2,000 garage conversions and/or unapproved additional living units within Redwood City. Garage conversions are an economical way to increase the living area of a home. Not only is the exterior shell and roof in place, but often garages contain washer/dryer hookups and forced air heating systems resulting in a space which is already partially plumbed and 'heating and electrical supply readily available. How manv conversions are there? Relying only on memory of current cases, code enforcement staff compiled a list of properties known to have either a garage conversion or additional living unit that was not approved or legal. Staff then set out to photograph and document the subject properties to aid the Council in its discussion of the topic. One significant finding reflected in the survey is that over one-half of the properties came to be known to code enforcement through neighbor concems. With the exception of ten properties that staff discovered while conducting the survey, the vast majority of properties with these violations were reported by neighbors. More than 90% -5- b. .. ..~--. .- '1!rU.